Tonight features the first game of a seven-game series between a franchise plagued by its inability to win a ring and a player plagued by its inability to win a ring.
Despite its short history, the Oklahoma City Thunder has featured a number of notable teams. But they don't have a ring to show for it. But this year, the team earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the first time in more than a decade. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are not a team you can rest on.
Still, the Dallas Mavericks have their own MVP candidate — someone who can dominate any game and single-handedly win a playoff series if his team allows him to. Luka Doncic put on a show in the season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged just under 30 points per game, but accomplished that feat without reaching efficiency standards. Doncic will need to be at his best if the Mavericks are to reach the Western Conference Finals for the second time in three years.
Here's everything you need to know about this Western Conference semifinal matchup.
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prediction:
Justin Martinez, Yahoo Sports: Thunder at 7
“Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are lethal on offense, and Dallas' defense has improved tremendously since adding Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline,” Martinez said. It gives them an advantage,” he wrote.
Michael Arinze, New York Post: Series lasts at least 6 games
Arinze said, “This matchup has a solid chance to advance and is worth swallowing the juice at -180 and playing the series over 5.5 games.''Unfortunately, neither team is an overwhelming favorite, so the big Odds are you won't find out.” I compared this series to other second round matchups. ”
Mike Curtis, Dallas News: 7 mavericks
“In what is billed as a battle of MVP candidates, the Mavericks will face a fully healthy and well-rested Thunder team,” Curtis said. “Dallas will no doubt have their hands full with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “Oklahoma City took advantage of an undermanned Pelicans team.” However, it remains to be seen whether the rest of the supporting cast can contain Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving's powerful offensive line. And if Dallas' defense holds up, they have a good chance of making it to the Western. Conference finals. ”
Mavericks vs. Thunder, Game 1 odds, lines:
The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to defeat the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 on Tuesday, according to BetMGM's NBA odds. Want to bet? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promotions in 2024.
Odds as of Monday evening.
- Spread: Thunder (-3.5)
- Money line: Thunder (-160); Mavericks (+135)
- Top/Bottom: 216.5
How to watch Mavs vs. Thunder, Game 1:
when: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
time: 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT
tv set: TNT
stream: fubo tv
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Mavs vs. Thunder Series Schedule:
Game 1: Tuesday, Oklahoma City – 9:30pm ET (TNT)
Game 2: Thursday, Oklahoma City – Time TBA, ESPN
Game 3: May 11, Dallas – 3:30pm ET, ABC
Game 4: May 13, Dallas – Time TBA, TNT
Game 5 (if required): May 15, Oklahoma City – Time TBA, TNT
Game 6 (If necessary): May 18, Dallas – 8:30pm ET, ESPN
Game 7 (If necessary): May 20, Oklahoma City, 8:30pm ET, TNT
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